What is Ozone?

What is ozone? Ozone is three atoms of oxygen combined in one molecule, or O3, whereas ordinary oxygen is two atoms of oxygen in each molecule, or O2. Most of us are familiar with ozone as it forms a protective layer around the earth and absorbs most of the sun's damaging ultraviolet radiation. The medical use of ozone dates back to the 19th century and was used as a disinfectant for wounds. Throughout the years, ozone has been used to treat a diverse array of infections as well as cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases. There is extensive research as to the effective application of ozone in Italy, Germany and Cuba. Research in the US is growing, but has lagged behind that of other countries. Often, if something seems to be too good to be true, it is, but this is not the case with ozone.

The reason is that ozone increases oxygen utilization and oxygen is our most critical nutrient. We can all breathe deeper or faster and say we are taking in more oxygen, but it is not about how much we take in. It is about how and where it is used. Don't be fooled by the digital reading on a pulse oximeter that is attached to your finger. It is not measuring how we are using the oxygen only that it is present. Most diseases and pain conditions occur in areas of localized decreased oxygenation. The key to treating these conditions is increasing the oxygen concentration in these areas. This is what ozone is doing, and it is doing so without side effects. No organism, whether it is a virus, bacteria or fungus, is resistant to ozone. Unlike so many of the common drugs we use, ozone is not toxic to our mitochondria. It makes them work better. We need our mitochondria for energy production and oxygen utilization.

As mentioned in the information section on NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), NAD+ drives most of the metabolic reactions in our mitochondria and it declines with age and decreased oxygen utilization. You can treat with supplemental IV NAD+ for certain conditions, but ozone can repair the reason for the NAD+ decline in the first place. Mice genetically modified to use oxygen less efficiently age more quickly and develop conditions such as loss of hair and lean body mass, osteoporosis, and reduced fertility. Mice with higher rates of oxygen utilization were healthier and lived longer.

Ozone works best when combined with a healthy diet, detoxification, hormone replacement (when indicated) and modification of stress. Ozone can be applied in a variety of ways. We use a protocol called major autoimmune hemotherapy or MAH. In MAH, ozone is mixed with a patient’s own blood and is re-infused. When ozone contacts our immune cells, it activates them and makes them better able to fight infection. We also offer ozone therapies in other forms and can combine them, when indicated for the patient. Rectal insufflation is useful for prostatic, colon and liver conditions.

Please see the section on Prolozone describing the use of ozone for localized pain and joint conditions. In the future we hope to offer ozone sauna treatments. Again, there is not a need to discontinue your current therapies when implementing the medical use of ozone. You can also continue your oral vitamins and supplements. We just request that nothing, other than your prescribed medications, be taken the day of your ozone treatment. You can take them that day after the treatment is complete. Please contact us if you are interested in learning more about ozone. We do require an office visit to assess your individual condition and needs prior to starting ozone therapy.